Bachelor of Science (Genetics major)
Overview
The Bachelor of Science – Genetics is offered from the Pietermaritzburg and Westville campuses. The Genetics major provides students with a comprehensive understanding of genes, heredity, and genetic variation. This includes studying the structure, function, and behaviour of genes at the molecular level, as well as their role in inheritance, development, and evolution.
SAQA
NQF LEVEL
DURATION
CAO CODE
KN-P-BG4
KN-W-BG4
CLOSING DATE
30 September
DISCIPLINE
Entry Requirements
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) – Degree (Pass).
- APS score of no fewer than 28 points.
- Mathematics at Level 4 and Physical Science, Life Science or Agricultural Science at Level 4.
Modules
Semester 1
- The Smaller Side of Life – BIOL101 (16 Credits)
- General Principles of Chemistry – CHEM110 (16 Credits)
- Mathematics for Natural Sciences – MATH150 (16 Credits)
- Intro Physics for Life Sciences & Agriculture – PHYS131 (16 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits
Semester 2
- Life on Earth – BIOL102 (16 Credits)
- Chemical Reactivity – CHEM120 (16 Credits)
- Introduction to Statistics – STAT130 (16 Credits)
- Elective (16 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits.
Semester 1
- Introductory Genetics – GENE240 (16 Credits)
- Level 2 electives (48 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits
Semester 2
- Molecular DNA Technology – RDNA202 (16 Credits)
- Experimental Design and Analysis – STAT222 (16 Credits)
OR
- Biological Science Toolkit – BIOL200 (16 Credits)
- Level 2 electives (32 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits.
Semester 1
Pietermaritzburg Campus
- Population and Quantitative Genetics – GENE310 (16 Credits)
- Bioinformatics – GENE320 (16 Credits)
Westville Campus
- Population and Quantitative Genetics – GENE310 (16 Credits)
- Bioinformatics – GENE320 (16 Credits)
- Level 3 electives (32 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits
Semester 2
Pietermaritzburg Campus
- Genomics and Molecular Diagnostics – GENE330 (16 Credits)
16 credits from:
- Principles of Plant Breeding – AGPS306 (16 Credits)
- Evolution and Systematics – BIOL304 (16 Credits)
- Animal Genetics – GENE350 (16 Credits)
Westville Campus
- Genomics and Molecular Diagnostics – GENE330 (16 Credits)
- Evolution and Systematics – BIOL304 (16 Credits)
OR
- Integrated Human Genetics – GENE340 (16 Credits)
- Level 3 electives (32 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits
What do they actually do?
Genetics explores the pathways that lead from the determinants of heredity, DNA, to the final expressed trait, such as hair colour. Genetics seeks to understand the way in which the basic instructions for this process are encoded and expressed. Understanding the nature of genetic variation permits one to combat disease in humans, plants and animals, and improve existing strains and breeds of plants and animals.
A Geneticist is a scientist who studies genes and genetic variation, including how they are inherited, mutated, activated, or inactivated. They often study the role that
genes play in disease and health. Environmental geneticists specialise in studying the interactions between genes and environmental factors that lead to adverse health effects, disease and aging
Areas of Employment
- Universities
- Research institutes such as the CSIR, and medical, veterinary and, agricultural research institutes
- National botanical gardens
- Hospitals
- Private institutions such as AECI
- Plant breeding companies
- Animal breeding companies
- Forensic laboratories
- Self-employment
Apply today and take the next step toward your future.